Updated: Cape Coral police working officer-involved shooting

Suspect in officer -involved shooting identified

December 24, 2013

The Cape Coral Police Department has released the name of a man injured in an officer-involved shooting on Christmas Eve.

David Roy Westerman, 34, of 9878 Almetta Ave., Fort Myers, was being treated at Lee Memorial Hospital for a gunshot wound Tuesday afternoon after police say he drove his truck at detectives attempting to break up an altercation that had culminated in Westerman reportedly dragging another person with the pickup.

Upon release Westerman will be charged with aggravated battery on the victim he dragged with the vehicle and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer for driving at a detective, officials said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon.

Westerman's injuries were described in an earlier release as non-life-threatening.

Original story:

The Cape Coral Police Department is working an officer-involved shooting in the 3900 Block of Southeast 4th Avenue.

Cape Coral Police Department property detectives had responded to 3905 Southeast 4th Ave to take a suspect into custody in reference to a theft investigation, according to a prepared statement issued by the Cape Coral Police Department shortly after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.

While at that location, dealing with their suspect, Detectives witnessed an unrelated disturbance at a nearby house. It was a verbal and physical altercation that culminated with one subject dragging another subject down the street with a pickup truck, officials stated.

"Detectives identified themselves and attempted to intervene. The driver of the truck, rather than complying with detectives, drove at detectives, placing them in imminent fear for their safety. Detective(s) fired, striking the driver," the release states.

The driver of the truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Charges are pending, officials said.

The detectives involved in this incident have been placed on administrative duty as per the agency's standard protocol, pending the findings of the Professional Standards Bureau.

"Detectives and Forensics personnel have been on scene for the past couple of hours, gathering evidence," said Det. Sgt. Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department public affairs officer, in the prepared statement. "Now that the fast-paced activity surrounding the incident has passed, the slow, meticulous process of investigation commences. Three things will now happen - First, the criminal investigation will take place and charges will be brought against the driver of the truck. Second, the State Attorney's Office will review the use of deadly force to determine if the use of force was justified. And finally, the Cape Coral Police Department Professional Standards Bureau will review the shooting to determine if the shooting was within policy."